I will be retiring in less than a year and plan to full time in a RV. I was always thinking motorhome although I always sorta lusted after an airstream. And having a tow vehicle to use for sightseeing and errands would be a perk. I have owned a couple B's, couple C's and one non-airstream trailer over the years.

My question is if it's feasible to drive, park and back-up a smallish airstream by myself? I'll have to say I was always a bit paranoid about getting in a situation with my trailer that I couldn't get out of. That never really happened but it always worried me.

Do you know of people that own these and use them with noone to direct them?
I know most RVers are really helpful at a campground but I'm hoping to boondock also.

Go slow, many miracles happen out on the road. Traveled for 35 years in another sport adventure, many times by myself, we call them small miracles when you find your way out of a jam--especially with an Airstream--you will attract attention easily. A smaller unit will be more forgiving, your call on size. Just take it it a day at a time, just being out there full time, will be the "mother of invention". Roll on.

Won't say "no problems" having been helped out of a couple of messes by nice passers by. But you can get yourself into a mess in the parking lot of your local grocery store without an Airstream tagging along. Just be ready to accept help graciously - and respond graciously. I got stuck trying to make a turn-around at night where I actually missed the right driveway. Two PA troopers gently guided me out, then took me for coffee.... you bet your booties I bought them donuts!

Paula

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Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.

Hi. I am a retiree, single female, and take 3 month trips out west - alone on the road. I have a 23 footer and a TV with a backup camera. It takes practice but now I'm an expert (IMO) of backing up/hitching up, parking, and getting in/out of tight gas stations. I was petrified at first, but, it's just getting used to your rig. I've never towed a TT before I bought my Airstream. Now, I'm considering upgrading to a 25 footer.... Good luck. It'll get easier.

X-truck driver here.. I have trained many drivers in my past life, and I can tell you this.... Your adrenaline will race the first couple of times backing up. But I will promise you that it will become easier every time!!! You will be backing OTHER people's trailers in no time... Just have fun and don't stress..

Single Airstreamer here - though not full time. On the whole hook up and back up thing.
re hitching up: This weekend when leaving Virginia Highland Haven, in the rain, I encountered the worst ever experience hooking up alone I've ever had. It took me five times to exit the car to get the ball centered under the hitch...

re backing up: things became alot easier when I realized I could move two feet, put the vehicle in park, get out, check things, move another two feet, rinse and repeat. 9 times of 10 when its blocking someone else trying to get through on the drive, they'll offer to help; which I usually decline and continue on my own.

Re personal safety when alone boondocking: I find that if you get one of those porn store blow up dolls, inflate it and leave it leaning against a window where its visible, people tend to leave you alone.

ABSOLUTELY can be done. The longer the trailer, the more careful you need to be when backing without assistance but, yes, you can do it.

"GOAL" = Get Out And Look. Practice backing in a large, empty parking lot first. Early Sunday morning in large shopping malls are ideal for this (mind the light poles!). Back up camera has already been mentioned but, you should STILL use the GOAL method too.

Back SLOWLY, keep your hand at the 6 o'clock position on the steering wheel. That way, when you want the trailer back end to go in a particular direction, you just SLIGHTLY move your hand in that direction, to start the trailer moving the way you want it to. Once the trailer has started its' turn, SLIGHT steering adjustments will get the job finished.

If you have never attended an RV Boot Camp, DO SO! The money and time will be VERY well spent. Escapees RV Club run an excellent RV Boot Camp. Other groups do too. Mistakes made with RVs are often expensive and, sometimes dangerous. Attending an RV Boot Camp WILL make you a safer, more confident RVer.

A vote of confidence and a thought: if in doubt while backing up, get out and walk around - early and often. Even with two of us, if the driver says "are you sure?" to the person providing instruction from outside, the correct response from the person on the ground is "Please hop out and take a look with me." So, when we're backing up we both walk around the rig anyway. Yes, we take longer to back into a spot than many. We're fine with that. The job gets done eventually, nobody's crying over dented aluminum, and we learn something every time.

When a kindly person offers to help you back up or to park your trailer for you, remember it's not their trailer that will hit a rock or tree and they will not be liable for damage without things getting incredibly messy. So, walk around anyway and keep the process running at a comfortable speed. Keep an eagle eye out for low-hanging branches or rooflines - kindly volunteers often forget to look up.

We love the rear view camera on the back of our trailer. It's no substitute for walking around, but it's a great help when parking and awesome at letting us know when someone's following closely or about to pass.

Our worst place for parking these days is actually at our covered storage facility. The facility is great and its location is good, but the slots are narrow, we're backing to the right (e.g. curb side), and there are poles on the curbside of our spot. Eeep! So, if you're using a storage location, pick one where it is relatively easy for you to park. We're on the waiting list to move to a friendlier spot there, but we'll probably have to wait until spring - everybody's looking for covered storage this time of year.

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Rocinante is our 2014 International Signature 27FB(Named for John Steinbeck's camper from "Travels With Charley")

Woo, Welcome, I too am an retired female truck driver and I own a 31' AS and I travel alone well my cat always comes with me,,,. When you first start towing try to get help from a reliable source. When backing by yourself always get out and check, I don't use a backup camera but many times I wish I had one. Take your time and don't try to drive too many hours stop often and don't drive after dark until you have a few miles under your belt. Good Luck !!